Orientation

ALL WORK IN PROGRESS _____________________________________________________

Following the move to EX2 in 2024, it's now a requirement of our H&S policy that all members (new or old) get an orientation to the space before they are given general access

As well as increasing safety, we're hopeful that a more organised orientation will help new members get a better feel for the space and how it operates compared to the older informal approach.

Orientations will consist of a walkaround tour of the space and the communal areas of the EX2 building, following the list of discussion topics below. The bullet points in this list can trigger a more in-depth discussion if required. There are also some of our formal written policies which must be read and agreed to, which are linked to below.

Please note this orientation does not include an induction for any of the safety critical Equipment in the space - members should ask for help and/ or a separate induction session on these once they are an oriented member.

Orientation Discussion Points

Brief Introduction to LHS

• We are a community lead not-for-profit organisation (see wiki for more information on our organisational structure)
• We are currently one of several small businesses & community groups who are tenants in the EX2 building, run by the Republic of Park Royal

Access & Egress

• The main entrance to the Hackspace during working hours is through the large opening with clear plastic doors (first that you pass as you come up the Alleyway)
• You enter initially to the general EX2 space - LHS is immediately on the left with swipe card access
• The alternative entrance (available at all times) is a metal door slightly further down the alley, which enters directly into the hackspace
• Page Access & Security (EX2) details our exact access policy - it's very important we follow this exactly
• Explain options/ policy for public transport, bike and car access - per the Location page

Facilities

• The building has shared kitchen and toilet facilities (due to be upgraded at some point). (take members on a brief tour)
• Treat these with respect, even more than we would with a LHS-only facility

Introduction to the Space

We have four rooms (tour each) including:

• A clean activities room with:
  • CNC machines
  • Laser cutter
  • 3D printers
  • Electronics lab
  • Textiles area
  • Crafts, Modelling, Vinyl Cutter, and a bunch of other stuff!
• A wood shop
• A metal machine shop (for clean & delicate machinery)
• A metal fab shop (for dirtier/ hotter activities such as welding and grinding)

Health & Safety

As part of the orientation we must cover the hackspace Health & Safety Policy in full:

This is an official London Hackspace policy. Please don't edit it yourself - suggest changes on the Mailing List.

Health & Safety is the responsibility of every Hackspace Member. It is your duty to make sure that you, and others in the space, are not endangering themselves or others!

The following policy has been written to help everyone live up to that responsibility. It is not a complete list of every rule and guideline - for these see the other policies, risk assessments and information pages specific to the individual machines and activities that happen at LHS.

Those who do not follow this policy may be warned, asked to leave, or banned.

Who is Responsible

• All space users have a responsibility to follow this policy, and to generally look our for the health and safety of others while using the space.

• Designated maintainers of specific equipment (as listed on the wiki) are responsible for preparing risk assessments, rules and inductions for the activities under their care

• The trustees are responsible for the management of health and safety, and for administering the Grievance Procedure against those who breach the rules (see 'Failure to Follow this Policy')

General Principles

• If in doubt - ask. We all come to the space to learn new techniques and tools, it's OK to be new and inexperienced but it is NOT OK to wade in without thinking. We all learned at one time and most members are keen to share that knowledge, whether in person or on the mailing list/ Discord.
• Much of the equipment in the space has it's own Wiki Page where rules, risk assessments, guidelines (as well as helpful tips for use!) can be found. Read up on each tool before using for the first time and if in doubt, always ask.
• The tools that present the highest risk require an induction before use. Never use one of these tools without induction, even if you have used them many times elsewhere - there will be features and rules specific to our space that you may not know about.
• Tools that do not require induction can still present a significant hazard - do not treat them lightly and always seek help if unsure
• Clean up after finishing work - this is not just polite, but reduces the likelihood of slips, falls and fire.
• Always use the correct PPE. If the space has run out of PPE, post on the Discord or mailing list and it will be replaced.
• Warn others before switching on any tool that requires ear protection, to give others time to put theirs on too. This should be done via a shouted warning - "EARS, GOING LOUD".
• Do not disturb other members while they are operating machinery (e.g. tapping them on the shoulder or making sudden movements). A distraction or a flinch can result in an accident.

Equipment Damage

• Inspect all equipment before use
• If there appears to be a maintenance issue, please 'tag' the equipment as such (for example, unplug it and tape a note note to it explaining the situation) and inform the maintainers via the Discord/ mailing list.
• Wear and tear are part of the hackspace process and you will not be disciplined for damage resulting from fair use.
• Damage caused by abuse (when you "should have known better") may be subject to some action when reported (such as being asked to pay for repairs) but the one thing that will always make the situation worse is trying to hide or cover up damage, or repair it yourself if you don't know what you're doing - this puts others at risk, as well as being a nuisance.

Fire

• Familiarise yourself with the locations of fire alarms, fire escapes and fire fighting equipment.
• Raise the alarm immediately upon discovering a fire
• Use the firefighting tools only if it is safe to do so, and immediately call the fire brigade.
• Only perform hot work operations in accordance with the equipment rules, in the designated locations.

Please note that as London Hackspace only occupies a small portion of the space within the EX2 building the landlord (RoPR) is responsible for the overall fire evacuation plan. This is displayed on various posters in the communal areas of the building

Failure to follow this policy

If any member witnesses someone doing something against this policy, or who seems likely to injure someone, then the witness should do one of the following:

Quiet Word

• Often, a quiet word with someone not following this policy is enough to remind them of the risks, and to follow the policy - it is better to let someone know that their behaviour is liable to break the policy, than for them to break it.
• Try not to shout at or surprise a member performing a dangerous operation - this could startle them, causing them to lose concentration and increase the likelihood of an accident. If the danger is not imminent, wait until they have finished that cut/ pass/ operation.
• Only have a 'quiet word' if you feel safe and comfortable to do so
• If you do not feel safe and comfortable, or the member ignores you, or appears to listen but then resumes as soon as you turn your back, then it is time to inform a maintainer or trustee (see below)

Informing a maintainer or trustee

• If the behaviour of a member warrants it, then any member may report an accident to a maintainer/ trustee. This could be verbally, via Discord, or to trustees@london.hackspace.org.uk
• Please do not post about others unsafe behaviour publicly on Discord/ mailing list - the maintainers will share any 'lessons learned' if needed but there is no benefit in name and shame
• The maintainers/ trainers will listen to the report and decide on a course of action, which could be:
  • No action - if the member's behaviour was actually acceptable. This can easily happen - for example when an experienced member performs an advanced operation which looks dangerous to others, who might not understand some specific risk mitigations that experienced member is making. There's no shame to the reporter if this happens, they've still done the right thing in coming forward
  • A 'quiet word' direct from the maintainer/ trustee
  • A requirement to repeat the induction for that equipment
  • A ban on that equipment (in accordance with the Grievance Procedure)
  • Formal warnings or a general ban from the space (in accordance with the Grievance Procedure)

Cleanliness

• LHS doesn't work if people don't clear up after themselves
• Sweeping up and emptying bins is one of the best ways you can help contribute to the space, especially as a new member.
• In particular, sweep dust after woodwork activities
• Put all tools and equipment back where you found them after use
• If there's a shortage of something, replace it yourself (preferred) or post on Discord/ mailing list but don't just walk away

Behaviour

Code of Conduct

Reproduced from the Code of Conduct page:

London Hackspace is an inclusive community where all our members and visitors should feel welcome. This code applies to everyone's conduct on all public communication channels as well as at the Hackspace itself.

This code of conduct is in addition to the Rules which cover safety and the ethos of the space.

1. It is unacceptable to harass or discriminate against others for any reason.
2. Keep all communication civil and keep swearing to a minimum; if you can't make a comment politely and persuasively, don't make it at all. Your conduct reflects on the image of the Hackspace as seen by outsiders.
3. Public trolling is never appropriate.
4. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.

If you ignore these guidelines you will initially be warned or moderated. Subsequent offences may result in you being banned from the mailing list or IRC. Additionally, the trustees may start proceedings under the Grievance Procedure.

If you witness any persistent breaches of this code, or have any other concerns, please contact the trustees at trustees@london.hackspace.org.uk. The trustees are powerless to fix problems they aren't aware of.

Other Policies

• We have several other policies on the Main Page, you must follow these but should read up in your own time.
• Remember this is a community of members, by the members for the members - you are not paying anyone to do anything. We don't have a professional technician or caretaker to fix breakdowns or carry out maintenance, so it's on you as much as it is anyone else (within the limits of your skillset).

Storage

• We have a system of long-term member boxes and short-term project shelf storage.
• It is more limited here than in previous spaces, we will do our best to accommodate but we must be realistic.
• Full details are in this guide, read this before you plan to store any items
• Be aware that items left in the space without storage requests, or any items left behind if you end your membership, will be subject to disposal by LHS in accordance with the above guide

End of Orientation

1) Members and inductors should sign and file a copy of the Space Orientation Form

2) Paper form should be stored in the appropriate folder

3) Activate access cards. Members are now inducted!